After a great deal of speculation about whether or not a 2015 Star Wars: Episode 7 movie would be possible, the Star Wars team have just announced the project's release date. J.J Abrams movie will hit theaters on December 18th 2015, just in time for the Christmas rush and just in time to put 2 fingers up to all the doubters.

The official statement, released on Star Wars website reads:

"With pre-production in full swing, a confirmed release date of December 18th, 2015, has been set for LucasFilm's highly anticipated Star Wars: Episode VII"

Disney Studios Chairman, Alan Horn, followed up the announcement with the following:

"We're very excited to share the official 2015 release date for Star Wars: Episode VII, where it will not only anchor the popular holiday filmgoing season but also ensure our extraordinary team has the time needed to deliver a sensational picture."

Initially touted for a Summer 2015 release, this announcement appears to be somewhat of a compromise between allowing some extra time to a production already behind schedule, and saving face. Many people had doubted that it was possible for J.J Abrams and his team to turn around a highly complex project like this, especially considering the screenwriting staff was altered as recently as last week.

The language in this release is firm, meaning Mr.Abrams will no doubt be under a great deal of pressure to make all of his deadlines, one of which will be finding key cast members. So while this was not the title announcement fans might have hoped for, this statement will serve as a big builder of anticipation in what will arguably be the biggest movie of the decade.